The Canary Islands' Government is to pull out all the stops to make sure tourism continues to soar during 2012.

Last year closed with a record number of 12 million tourists visiting the archipelago, bucking the trend of mainland Spain and many other places in Europe. The Canary Islands now feature as one of the top tourist destinations in the world.

 

Markets such as Russian, Polish, Italian and French increased significantly in 2011 and are expected to continue growing this year because, among other reasons, joint promotional activities to attract these visitors.

President of the Government of the Canary Islands Paulino Rivero announced their intention to republish the Covenant for Quality and Competitiveness of Tourism, also called the Pact of Fuerteventura.

The purpose is to review the objectives achieved so far and propose the implementation of new ones to improve the competitiveness and quality of the sector.

Sr. Rivero said it will be necessary to develop several strategic lines, such as rehabilitation of public tourism spaces, the promotion of new markets, relations with the Central Government, the fight against unfair competition, improved training and restoration and a commitment to quality.

Air connectivity will be a key point and there will be ongoing talks with airlines and AENA to establish new routes and greater frequency. New tourism products will also be promoted to complement the traditional package of sand, sun and sea. A pledge has also been made to strengthen online communications through websites, social networks, Smartphones etc.

Regeneration of beaches will be another priority as well as plans to boost industry. An inspection plan is also being drawn up with regard to accommodation, restaurants and tourist guides. A new Canary Hotel School will include a formal training programme.